Looking back over three and a half years of the Party delivering in government

JULY 2007New regulations to prevent illegal shipments of waste abroad.

JUNE 2007The Greens enter Government.

OCTOBER 2007Green planning exemptions: process to fast track certain micro renewable technologies begins.

SEPTEMBER 200740% improvement in energy efficiency for new homes: all homes must meet standards.

SEPTEMBER 2007Bigger and better apartments: New guidelines to ensure family friendly apartments.

AUGUST 2007Increase tax take on oil and gas finds: to ensure state benefits from any Irish finds.

NOVEMBER 2007Animal protection: for red squirrel and rare birds of prey.

APRIL 2008Local government reform: Green paper published to strengthen local democracy.

MARCH 2008Ethical investment: Pension Reserve Fund withdraws from cluster bomb companies.

AUGUST 2008Noise pollution consultation: public invited to contribute to development of Noise Bill.

JUNE 2008Dublin Bay protected: Wildlife to be protected and taskforce to advise on future of the bay.

MAY 2008Crackdown on junk food advertising: New Broadcasting bill establishes rule on food advertising targetting children.

JANUARY 2009Emergency accommodation for homeless in Dublin City: announced by John Gormley.

SEPTEMBER 2008Smart meters rolled out: pilot scheme begins to help customers cut electricity costs.

OCTOBER 200819% increase in water funding: to upgrade Ireland’s drinking water infrastructure.

NOVEMBER 2008Cycle to Work scheme: offers commuters tax rebate on purchasing a bike.

GETTING THINGS DONE

DECEMBER 2007Carbon budget delivered: climate considerations now integrated into Govt budgetary policy.

MARCH 2008Green motor tax system: New CO2-based tax system will encourage drivers to switch to low emissions cars.

JANUARY 2008Incentives for companies: eco-friendly business practices will receive tax rebates.

FEBRUARY 2009!100m national insulation scheme: Scheme creates 4,000 jobs and upgrades 50,000 homes.

MARCH 2009Bank bosses salaries scrapped: Move will cut back on excessive bank boss salaries.

JULY 2009Landscape around Tara protected: National Monuments Bill protects heritage.

JUNE 2009!200 charge on second homes will bring in an extra !40 million to help fund councils.

MAY 200910,000 green jobs created: 50% of jobs created in first half of 2009 were in the green economy.

APRIL 2009E-voting machines scrapped: John Gormley announces process to dispose of costly machine.

NOVEMBER 2009International waste review published: Landfill levy and incineration levies increase.

DECEMBER 2009Carbon levy introduced: Ireland commits to cutting carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.

AUGUST 2009EU introduces phased ban on incandescent bulbs: Following Ireland’s example.

SEPTEMBER 2009Support for renewable energy: Fixed tariffs for biomass, wind and ocean energy for 15 years.

OCTOBER 2009Revised Programme for Government published: New deal pledges to maintain free University fees.

MARCH 2010First electric vehicle charging points unveiled; !5,000 incentive for early adopters.

FEBRUARY 2010Green tax incentive scheme extended: Accelerated Capital Allowance Scheme allows businesses to offset cost of energy efficient equipment against tax.

JANUARY 2010New teaching posts announced: following reversal of education cuts

MAY 2010Cervical cancer vaccine begins: moved was secured by the Green Party in October 2009.

APRIL 2010Bill to ban stag hunting published: Stag hunting comes to an end.

MARCH 2010Clampdown on text message and phone scams: Eamon Ryan regulates premium rate telecoms sector.

SEPTEMBER 2010Dunboyne rail line offers commuting alternatives: line reopens after 60 years.

OCTOBER 2010Luas extended: the extension of the Luas Green Line to Cherrywood will bring 26,000 more commuters within 15 minutes walk of a high-speed, public transport option.

JUNE 2010Protecting wildlife from jet skis and quad bikes: Laws will reduce damage to nature sites.

JUNE 2010Council on integration formed: migrants views sought to achieve better integration.

JULY 2010Planning Bill passes through Dáil: new law puts interests of citizens ahead of developers and

will prevent urban sprawl.

JULY 2010Civil Partnership Bill becomes law: New legislation will enhance rights for same-sex couples.

NOVEMBER 2010Dublin Mayor Bill put to Dail: Mayor will deliver integrated and transport for the capital.

NOVEMBER 2010Funds secured for Metro North: Following planning approval project is backed in four year plan.

OCTOBER 2010Digital Television switched on: !500m benefit to Ireland from modernisation of transmission.

OCTOBER 2010High-speed broadband: scheme delivers 100mb broadband to 78 second level schools

DECEMBER 2010Action on ghost estates: advice aimed at addressing problems in unfinished estates.

DECEMBER 2010Climate Change Bill published: vital legislation includes domestic emissions targets; strong policy mechanisms across government departments and agencies; and mandatory greenhouse reporting obligations for companies.